The 2020 Narrative
2020 was a difficult year. The pandemic and associated isolation, grief and loss, a contentious presidential election, the country’s racial reckoning, and very real economic struggles made it a time like no other. Like all faith communities, First Presbyterian was confronted by each of these, but unlike other congregations, the painful ending of Elsie Rhodes’ time as our pastor added to a tough mix. We all dealt with the layers of pain, trauma, anger, and hurt with varying degrees of success and with real suffering across many members of the congregation.
As a part of our efforts to heal, and at the recommendation of Mark Betley, who has been working with Session on church-wide reconciliation issues, Session has agreed to the crafting of a narrative telling the story of 2020 with emphasis on the dissolution of the congregation's relationship with its pastor. The narrative was recommended for 3 specific reasons:
- Congregations that move on too quickly, try to ignore trauma, or ignore chances to learn are more likely to experience future trauma. Doing so can also ignore the stories of those hurt by the trauma, and may decrease the chances of congregational members to understand each other’s pain and to reconcile with each other.
- Trauma changes how congregations act. Those actions may be healthy in the short-term but they are not long-term strategies to address future anxiety or trauma.
- When congregations fail to acknowledge, name, and reflect upon life-changing experiences; whether traumatic or delightful, it becomes increasingly difficult to honestly assess God's activity. When a church loses its ability to honestly name and proclaim the activity of God, it becomes less helpful in its mission to members, neighbors, and probably to God.
The Session has invited Peter Craig to be the primary author of the 2020 narrative. He agreed to do so only if the process included as many voices as possible. To date the draft narrative has been reviewed by staff, Session and a small group of parents who have young children. Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24 have been set aside for members of First Presbyterian to gather in small groups of 6 to 8 persons to review a draft and comment on the narrative. The document to be reviewed will be the long version of the narrative.
The audience of the long version is future staff, Session members, Deacons, and any member who requests a copy.
From the long version an executive summary of the narrative will be written and shared more widely. It will be included in the 2021 Congregational Annual report.
Finally, there will be a separate short factual statement that comes out of Peter’s work and will be used, as necessary, by staff, Session, and members when speaking to those who are not members.
If you wish to participate in reviewing the long version of the narrative, please contact Anne Blabey. She has agreed to schedule member participation for Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24. On Friday, April 23 you may choose 10 am, 1 pm, or 4 pm. On Saturday, you may choose noon or 3 pm. She can be reached at: blabey1@verizon.net or 547-6013.
Pastor Faith and the Session ask that you prayerfully consider participating in this work of the congregation. No one is required to participate - of course - but the Session, in its work on behalf of this congregation, invites and welcomes your participation.